Mr Howard, from Moira Road in Ballinderry, Co Antrim, was to appear before a preliminary enquiry at Dungannon Magistrates' Court on 67 fraud charges.

The offences were related to his financial dealings with nearly 20 customers while he was working in the branch in the Dungannon area.

It was alleged that he had received payments from clients who believed he was investing the money on their behalf. According to the allegations, Mr Howard had instead been siphoning the money into savings and investment accounts set up in his own name.